The F-35 is a potent platform, no doubt. But China seems to be focusing on an asymmetrical approach.
Networks/Datalinks/AI have all been hinted at as 6th generation software capability upgrades for an Air Force.
Relatively cheap drone swarms will be detected but they may exhaust the weapons capacity of an enemy fighter force if they are engaged. They may not even need to carry weapons just be ESM platforms to detect and relay probable locations of enemy stealth fighters, or even just passive receivers of active radar emissions from OTH radars and AWACS radars.
With the home field advantage, China will try to employ a 21st century “people’s war” strategy to detect, localize and defeat enemy forces
Bro,
The sensor architecture of F-35 enable it to minimize its emissions and footprint during the course of operations. The EO/IR field created by F-35 that was highlighted in previous response is completely PASSIVE target identification capability for instance - no emissions of any sort.
The AESA radar is LPI (Low Probability of Intercept) by design
but this does not make it foolproof to detection possibilities - a sophisticated sensor system will pick on such emissions no matter what. In the case of F-35, the AESA radar system will actively scan for threats to the maximum extent for like 3 seconds, illuminating them on the HUD for the pilot, and then the 'active search' aspect will stop immediately. The lack of 'active search' can certainly lead to more elusive targets disappearing from the HUD
but F-35 will remain aware of such threats with its long-range passive detection capabilities in the mix (sensor fusion aspects). This is the point of sensor fusion in the first place - to enable different types of sensor systems to work together and produce a single unified picture of potential threats in the surroundings for the pilot to evaluate and make informed decisions accordingly (5th generation sensor architecture that is). This characteristic also enable the host aircraft to minimize its emissions and reduce its footprint by extension because it will not have to actively search for potential threats on a continuous basis, only on need basis. The AESA radar system of F-35 does not work in
isolation.
In fact, sensor fusion capabilities of F-35 have literally surprised every pilot who have worked with this aircraft among others; there are personal testimonials in relation.
PASSIVE detection and upkeep:-
PASSIVE detection and upkeep:-
Passive detection and upkeep:-
PASSIVE Sensor Fusion and upkeep:-
WHOLESALE Sensor Fusion and upkeep:-
EXTERNAL considerations:-
Sensor Fusion in NETWORKING aspects:-
USAF first demonstrated Netcentric capabilities in the battlefield back in 1991 - world's first.
The F-35 has given a new meaning to Netcentric capabilities by introducing Sensor Fusion aspects in the mix.
You mentioned:
"Relatively cheap drone swarms will be detected but they may exhaust the weapons capacity of an enemy fighter force if they are engaged." - valid consideration.
However, you are assuming that USAF is oblivious to this consideration.
F-35 are multi-mission fighters. In networked format, some units can be tasked to disrupt those swarms with their formidable EW capabilities, others will be tasked to take them out; and yet more will be tasked to take care of incoming combat aircraft and even intercept missiles in the mix.
The F-35 platform by large is also a part of the equation. Imagine USAF as a whole, mate.
Do you think that Americans spend so much on defense to address threats like Afghanistan? No, these are mere training grounds for its troops and COIN.
They spend so much in order to contend with the likes of China and/or Russia, should the need arise.
China has a big population base, and it a can mass-produce stuff. Therefore, Americans have no choice but to spend more on the DEFENSE and look for ways to maintain their technological supremacy.
